2008 PRESS RELEASES
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July 30, 2008
GOVERNOR’S CHEF ISSUES CHALLENGE: EAT LOCAL FOR A DAY
Contact: Elaine Lidholm, 804.786.7686
Jason Babson, chef to Virginia’s Governor and First Family, includes a visit to a farmer-owned market on his weekly shopping trips. The week of July 14, he checked out tomatoes, green beans, cantaloupes, eggplant, corn, peppers, peaches, and even some Virginia-made processed products available at Pole Green Produce in Hanover County.
Jason Babson, chef to Governor Timothy M. Kaine and the First Family, challenges all Virginians to Eat Local for a Day during Virginia Farmers Market Week, August 3 – 9. Babson is supporting the challenge issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to pick a day during Farmers Market Week and on that day, eat only products from Virginia for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
Part II of the challenge is to make a video of what you ate, where you bought it and how much you enjoyed it. Send it to EatLocalVa@vdacs.virginia.gov by September 2, 2008 for a chance to win a deluxe Virginia prize pack and to see your video featured on VDACS’ Web site and YouTube. Go to virginiagrown.com for complete details, where you will also find locations to purchase or pick-your-own Virginia Grown fruits and vegetables, a produce availability chart, great recipes and much more. Click here for a listing of Virginia processed foods.
Take your pick from the delicious array of Virginia Grown and locally made foods and beverages available at farmers markets, roadside stands and pick-your-own farms, as well as grocery and specialty stores. The list of possibilities includes Virginia fruits, vegetables, wine, candies, cheeses, condiments, pasta, poultry, seafood, snacks, honey, herbs, meats, jams, eggs, dairy products, baked goods and more.
“First Lady Anne Holton encourages me to buy locally every week,” said Babson, “so this challenge adds an interesting dimension to a well-established habit. I encourage all Virginians to eat local for a day and submit your video, but don’t stop there. Make delicious Virginia products a part of your meal-planning all year long.”
Click here to see Chef Babson's recipes for Asian Chili Green Beans, Garlic Grilled Broccoli and Peach Cobbler.